Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is Hydroxypropyl Cellulose?

Hydroxypropyl cellulose, also commonly known as hydroxypropyl methycellulose (HPMC) or hypromellose is a coating agent and film-former used as an inactive ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. It has also been used as a rate-controlling polymer for sustained-release dose forms.[1]

As a powder, hypromellose is off-white to beige and may be in granules. Hypromellose is considered an inert ingredient. It has a high viscosity and is often used in ophthalmic preparations as artificial tears for dry eyes. In the US, it is available over-the-counter (OTC) in such products as Isopto-Tears and Nature’s Tears.[2]

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.